How has the representation of female leading roles changes over time?

Hi all
I am conducting some primary research for my A level Media studies Critical Studies exam, my chosen topic area is, Women in Film, but more specifically the representation of female leading roles over time.

I would really like to read your thoughts about how the female image has changed and what your reaction to it is as an audience. Whether the more dominent female figures of film, for example Lara Croft in Tomb Raider, (who creates an image that she doesn’t need to be protected by a male character) is more appealing to you, comapred to others such as, Lois Lane in Superman (although being a strong female character) needs the male figure, which in this case is a superhero to keep her safe and save her from any trouble she may get herself into.

So the general question i am asking is; which do you find more appealing in a female leading character as an audience, a damsel in distress who needs to depend on a man, or a female who can take care of herself?

Any response you have will help me enormously
Thanks for your time.